Historical information

A song composition by Helen Ellis, of Kew, first known to have been performed in 1942 at the BBC for the 'Shipmates Ashore Programme it was then published 1943.

Significance

A copy of this song and one other composition the composer Helen Ellis is held by the National Library of Australia. Promotional text also indicates that the song was performed by the notable Australian singer Peter Dawson. The song "The M.N. ships get through" carries an important acknowledgement of the oft forgotten vital role of the Merchant Navy as carrier of goods and supplies, and especially so in wartime. The publication is of special significance to the MTSV as an example of the many skilled and creative women who have supported the Missions to seafarers.

Physical description

Commercially printed single fold music score for a 2 verse song and chorus. Front cover with blue band at top and lower edge features the Merchant Navy insignia at top left with depiction in half tone blue of a Merchant ship convoy and at right a sketched depiction of head and shoulders of a Merchant Navy officer with binoculars in hand. Music score and full text printed on p.2 and 3. The back cover features text of chorus and a handwritten notation in blue ink with reference to performance of the song on a BBC programme, 'Shipmates Ashore'.

Inscriptions & markings

Back cover-handwritten notation in blue ink: "Sung by Raymond ?(indecipherable) in the B.B.C. London / 'Shipmates Ashore' programme,1942." This inscription is found after the printed sample of chorus words accredited to Helen Ellis, Central Club, Victoria, Mission to Seamen. See images for design and printing.